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Ohio Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Guide - 2024

AKA: Ohio SLPA Licensure

Ohio SLP & SLPA Licensure - 2024 Guide
Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: March 18th, 2024

Ohio Licensing Body

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) support speech-language pathologists in evaluating and treating individuals with speech, language, voice, and fluency impairments. They execute planned speech and language activities, oversee the utilization of alternative communication devices, and follow treatment protocols directed by speech-language pathologists.

In addition to documenting client progress and aiding in developing speech and language abilities, SLPAs conduct training and education programs for families and communities. They may also assist with client assessments, charting performance data, testing and maintaining equipment, and gathering information to evaluate program quality.

However, due to the complexity of working with individuals with communication and swallowing disorders of varying severity, becoming a speech-language pathology assistant/aide requires training and licensure. This guide covers the criteria necessary for obtaining a license as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in Ohio.

Ohio Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Process

The lawful authority to regulate and issue licenses for speech pathologists and audiologist assistants rests with the Ohio Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Here is the initial speech pathology assistant licensure process:

Educational Requirements

To become a speech-language pathology assistant in Ohio, it is required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, according to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) experts, SLPAs can gain a competitive advantage by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or an associate’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in this field provides several benefits, such as a clear path toward pursuing a master’s program in speech-language pathology. Here you can find a list of all Ohio speech pathology degree programs.

Experience Requirements

The responsibility of ensuring comprehensive training for all tasks assigned to SLPAs falls on the licensed SLP supervisor. In speech-language pathology, a licensed professional is responsible for providing direct and comprehensive supervision to an aide.

This supervision must be well-documented and immediately available to the aide. Specifically, “direct supervision” is the type of supervision provided by a supervisor who is either physically present in the room where clinical services are provided or readily available to assist the aide during their interactions with clients. In addition, the licensed supervisor must provide aides with information on their roles, functions, and relevant laws.

Testing Requirements

To work as an SLPA in Ohio, individuals are required to take ASHA’s Assistants Certification Exam. The exam evaluates your understanding of speech-language pathology, the responsibilities of an SLPA, and professional boundaries. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

To pass the exam, you must score at least 162. So, you should review the SLPA practice exam questions and other relevant resources. In addition, you must apply for C-SLPA certification and pay an initial fee of $249. Once you pass the exam, you will earn the Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) credential and apply for licensure.

Background Check

The Ohio Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology requires SLPAs to pass a background check before applying for licensure. You are required to use one of the eighty-eight Ohio county sheriff’s offices or a WebCheck provider to submit their fingerprints to BCI and the FBI electronically.

To perform a background check for an Ohio SLPA/Aides license application, you must follow these steps:

  • Contact a WebCheck provider or the Ohio county sheriff’s office for specific instructions.
  • Request an FBI and BCI criminal records check.
  • Pay the necessary fees directly to the Webcheck provider. Fees include BCI ($22), FBI ($25.25), and potentially a processing fee ($5-$40), depending on the agency.
  • The agency should submit the electronic fingerprint records directly to the Ohio SLP board by selecting the “Direct Copy” option.
  • If you want to obtain a license in speech-language pathology, you should select the reason code Ohio SLPA board license Applicant.

To initiate the process, send your filled BCI and FBI fingerprint forms, along with the required payment enclosed, directly to the Fiscal Section, c/o Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, at P.O. Box 365, London, Ohio 43140. It may take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to complete the process.

Application Process

After completing all the necessary procedures for obtaining Ohio SLPA/Aide certification, candidates must submit a licensure application and all the required documents to the Ohio Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Remember that you can only be granted a speech-language pathology assistant/aide license if you are employed under an application endorsed by the board.

The board recommends that applicants use its online platform for submitting new applications.

The application should contain, but is not limited to, the following information:

  • The name and address of the location where the SLAP/aide will work.
  • The employer’s business name and address.
  • A description of the tasks that you will perform.
  • Details of the training received by the aide to carry out the planned activities.
  • A description of the direct supervision that the aide will receive while performing their duties.
  • An acknowledgment and agreement to abide by the code of ethics for speech-language pathology.

To create a new account, follow these steps if you’re a first-time SLPA/aide applicant:

  • Go to https://eLicense.Ohio.gov to submit your aide plan.
  • Select the “login”/create an account” option.
  • Next, tap the “I Don’t Have A License” button.
  • Follow the instructions to sign up as a new aide licensee for a new eLicense account.
  • Once registered, you will be directed to your online user dashboard page to choose the appropriate aide application for licensure.

To obtain speech-language pathology-aide licensure, you must pay a fee of $50.00. In addition, you are required to contact the board office if you still await an email confirmation within 30 days of submitting your application.

Endorsement for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants to Work In School Settings

The role of the School Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) is to work as part of an educational team under the guidance and supervision of a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The SLPA is responsible for carrying out assigned tasks in delivering services to students with speech, language, voice, and cognitive impairments. It’s worth noting that speech-language pathology and audiology support personnel are not subject to regulation in Ohio schools.